History and Culture
What ancient civilization famously ruled Rome and much of the Mediterranean world for centuries?
The Roman Empire
Which iconic leaning tower is in Pisa, a symbol of Italian architecture?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
What is the Italian word for "hello"?
Ciao
Which Italian city is home to the world-famous Carnival of Venice?
Venice
What Renaissance artist painted the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper?
Leonardo da Vinci
What is the traditional Italian currency used before the Euro?
The Lira
What operatic composer gave the world masterpieces like La Traviata and Rigoletto?
Giuseppe Verdi
Which gladiator school in Rome trained some of the most skilled fighters of the ancient world?
The Ludus Magnus
What iconic sculpture sits atop the Pantheon in Rome, originally commissioned by the Roman emperor Marcus Agrippa?
The bronze globe
What is the famous Italian puppet theatre tradition featuring characters like Pulcinella and Arlecchino?
Commedia dell'arte
Geography and Food
Where is Italy located?
Italy is located in Southern Europe and is bordered by France to the northwest, Switzerland and Austria to the north, and Slovenia to the northeast. It also shares maritime borders with Croatia to the southwest and Malta to the south across the Mediterranean Sea.
Which volcanic mountain looms over Naples and is considered one of Europe's most active volcanoes?
Mount Vesuvius
What iconic body of water separates Italy from Tunisia and Libya?
The Mediterranean Sea
What is the longest river flowing entirely within Italy?
The Po
What cheese is produced in the Emilia-Romagna region and known for its granular texture and sharp taste?
Parmigiano-Reggiano
What region of Italy boasts the Amalfi Coast, a stunning shoreline dotted with colorful villages and cliffs?
Campania
What type of pasta originates from Naples and is often served with a simple tomato sauce?
Spaghetti
What type of dessert made with ladyfingers dipped in coffee and layered with mascarpone cream is a classic Italian treat?
Tiramisu
What is the Italian word for "coffee"?
Caffè
What type of pizza topping, found on the original Neapolitan pizza, is simply made with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and oregano?
Marinara
What iconic Italian liqueur, originally from the island of Capri, is bright blue and often served chilled?
Limoncello
Fun Facts and Entertainment
What country is completely surrounded by Italy, nestled within its borders?
San Marino
What iconic sports car brand, known for its red logo and sleek designs, originated in Modena, Italy?
Ferrari
What iconic movie, about a young American woman finding herself while traveling through Italy, was filmed in several stunning locations across the country?
Eat Pray Love
What Italian film director gave us classics like Cinema Paradiso and Nuovo Cinema Paradiso?
Giuseppe Tornatore
What Italian opera singer captivated audiences with her powerful voice and stage presence, earning the nickname "La Stupendissima"?
Montserrat Caballé
What annual cycling race, starting in Milan and traversing the Italian countryside, is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world?
The Giro d'Italia
What iconic Italian fashion house, founded in Milan in 1909, is known for its luxurious designs and high-end apparel?
Gucci
What iconic Italian film composer scored classics like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Once Upon a Time in the West?
Ennio Morricone
What iconic Italian comic book character, a masked vigilante fighting crime in Rome, inspired numerous Hollywood adaptations?
Diabolik